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About Us

​SEN Swim: Empowering Every Child in the Water

Founded in April 2021 by Joe and Carla, both experienced special educational needs (SEN) teachers, SEN Swim was created to address a critical gap in swimming education for children with additional needs. Joe, a PE and swimming teacher, and Carla, a primary school teacher, saw firsthand the challenges SEN children faced in accessing safe, tailored swimming instruction. Through conversations with parents and professionals, it became clear that many traditional swimming programs did not fully cater to the unique learning styles and requirements of SEN children.

Starting with just eight students in evening classes, SEN Swim quickly grew as more families sought specialized lessons designed to nurture confidence, skill development, and water safety. Today, with over 200 students attending regularly throughout school terms and holidays, we continue to refine our approach, ensuring that every child receives the individual attention and support they deserve.

Our Mission

To create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every child can develop confidence, essential swimming skills, and a lifelong love of the water—regardless of their needs or abilities.

Our Approach

At SEN Swim, we believe in a child-centered, adaptable teaching methodology. Our lessons prioritize:
✅ Personalised Lessons – Tailored techniques that match each child's pace and learning style.
✅ Specialised Environments – Carefully selected pools with appropriate facilities and sensory considerations.
✅ Qualified, Compassionate Staff – Highly trained swimming teachers with SEN experience and the personal skills to meet each child or young persons needs.
✅ Strong Family Partnerships – Open communication with parents and carers to support each child’s journey

✅ We celebrate Every Student's Success – Certificates & Progress Tracking for achievements of every student.

We take immense pride in the progress and joy of our students, as well as the trust and support of their families. Our commitment to ongoing staff training, expanding our reach, and fostering a welcoming, inclusive community ensures that SEN Swim remains a leader in specialized swimming education.

At SEN Swim, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in the water.

Our Approach

Personalised Lessons

Personalised lessons

At SEN Swim, no two lessons look the same. Our lessons are truly personalised for each and every child or young person that attends.

From the intake process we gather important information for the designated swimming teacher to prepare for each individual lesson, accordingly. The initial lessons are used to understand the students needs within a swimming context and then build a plan that works for the individual. Our core lesson principles are; safe, fun (for the individual) and relevant to their needs. We use a whole host of teaching methods and resources, and work tirelessly to ensure the right approach for your child is adopted.

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Specialised environments

All of our pool venues have been carefully selected due to their very unique settings and benefits they can bring to the learning needs of a diverse group of learners.

Each pool has its strengths that will suit individual learners, whilst others may benefit more from another one of our venues.

To gain a better understanding of what pool will suit your child best, please do not hesitate to get in touch

Qualified, Compassionate Staff

Qualified, compassionate staff

Teachers use the initial lessons to build positive relationships and understand each child's learning style. Lessons are tailored to suit individual learning needs, whether visual or hands-on, ensuring safe, enjoyable learning and fostering a positive relationship with water.

SEN Swim Skill Curriculum

SEN Swim Skill Curriculum

Each child works through our skill-based curriculum at their own pace, rather than following a traditional stage-based system. Teachers support students in developing skills in a motivating, meaningful way.

Celebrating Achievements

Celebrating Achievements

We celebrate every student's progress, big or small. At the end of each term or course, students receive a certificate for their achievements and a sticker book to track their progress, making learning both fun and rewarding.

The Dream Team

Sen Swim Instructor Joe

Joe

Hi, I'm Joe, the SEN Swim school manager and co-founder alongside Carla, back in April 2021. I'm also one of the dedicated swimming teachers at SEN Swim. Before this, I spent 8 years as the lead PE teacher at a special needs school for students with autism and have been a swimming teacher for children of all abilities for 14 years. ​Through my experience, I saw the growing need for tailored swimming lessons for children with individual needs, leading to the creation of SEN Swim. I take pride in delivering high-quality lessons that all our students deserve. I'm a qualified Swim England Level 2 teacher, with a BA (Hons) in Sports Development, QTS in physical education, and a postgraduate certificate in child and adolescent mental health. ​With my passion, experience, and qualifications, I work to ensure every lesson is supportive, enjoyable, and meets each child’s needs.

Sen Swim Instructor Carla

Carla

Hi, I’m Carla, a co-founder of SEN Swim. It’s been a rewarding journey working alongside Joe and our talented team to teach such an important life skill. With over ten years of experience working with SEN children and three years as a swimming teacher, I hold a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS specializing in SEND, along with several swimming instruction certifications. ​ My passion for sports, especially swimming, led me to combine my teaching skills with my love for the water, creating engaging lessons beyond the classroom. Fun facts: I have two cats, Tilly and Belle, love nature, and was born in Madeira, Portugal. I'm excited for many more fun-filled years with our swimmers!

Sen Swim Instructor Stacey

Stacey

Hi, I’m Stacey, and I joined SEN Swim as a swimming teacher in April 2024. I have many years of experience in the swimming industry, working with children and adults with additional needs. As a former competitive swimmer, I’ve always had a passion for the water, and sharing that with the young people I work with is a privilege. Having close family members with special needs has shaped my journey and deepened my understanding of how to support individuals with diverse learning styles. My approach focuses on understanding each student’s unique perspective and creating a learning environment that helps them thrive. Seeing the progress students make, and the joy it brings to them and their families, is incredibly rewarding. I look forward to welcoming many more swimmers to the pool!

Sen Swim Instructor Chemsey

Chemsey

Hi! I’m Chemsey, a French native who moved to London six years ago and am passionate about teaching and helping others. I’ve worked with SEN students for the past five years and have been a swimming instructor at SEN Swim for two years. I studied English Literature and Language in Toulouse, France, which enhanced my communication skills. I also hold a swimming instruction qualification, blending my love for teaching with swimming. My interest in working with SEN students was inspired by a family member diagnosed with autism. Teaching swimming to SEN students feels like a perfect fit, combining my passion for swimming with my desire to support special needs. I find it incredibly rewarding to see the progress and achievements of my students. Being part of their journey and celebrating their growth is a truly fulfilling experience.

Sen Swim Instructor Aleks

Aleks

Hello! I’m Aleks, a dedicated swim teacher with a passion for helping all students, especially those with special needs, enjoy and succeed in swimming. I've been teaching swimming since 2021 and working in a Special Needs School since 2019.

I hold a Primary and Early Years Education degree, along with a Swimming Teacher Award Level 2 and STA Level 2 Award in Safety.

Teaching students with special needs is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing their progress in both swimming skills and confidence. Every child learns uniquely, and it’s a privilege to adapt my teaching to their needs. Watching them achieve new milestones, whether it's floating or mastering a stroke, is the highlight of my work.

Swimming is not only a life skill but also offers therapeutic benefits, and I’m grateful to be part of this journey for so many amazing students.

Sen Swim Instructor Eleni

Eleni

Hello! I’m Eleni, originally from Greece and living in London for the past 10 years. I hold an MA in Sociology and have worked in a special needs school for the last 8 years, currently as a family support practitioner. ​Recently, I completed my swimming teacher training. I've always loved the water and have seen firsthand how beneficial swimming is for SEN students. Swimming is not only a vital life skill but also a fun way for children to build a positive relationship with water. ​ I’m excited to meet new students and help them stay safe and enjoy their time in the water!

Sen Swim Instructor Honey

Honey

Hi, I’m Honey, one of the SEN Swim teachers since the swim school began in 2021. I’m also a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant at a special needs school, where I’ve worked for 11 years. A qualified swimming teacher since 2016, I’ve loved helping learners with special needs. Joining SEN Swim was a dream come true, and I’ve enjoyed every day since. I love creating trusting connections with students, making lessons fun and special—sometimes even singing songs to those who love music! I’m looking forward to supporting every student in their swimming journey!

Sen Swim Instructor Jodie

Jodie

Hi, I’m Jodie, and I’ve been a swimming teacher at SEN Swim for 2 years. I’m also a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at a special needs school, where I’ve worked for nearly 12 years. In addition to being a First Aider and Mental Health First Aider, I hold the STA Pool Rescue Award for Teachers and am a qualified swimming instructor. Working with children and young adults with special needs is my passion. Having a close family member with special needs, I’ve seen the joy and progress that swimming can bring, which inspired me to join SEN Swim. Since then, it’s been a rewarding journey, helping students feel safe and confident in the water. I tailor each lesson to meet the unique needs of every student, building positive relationships with them and their families. I believe swimming is a fun and valuable skill, especially for those with special needs, and I’m committed to making every lesson an enjoyable and enriching experience. I look forward to welcoming more swimmers to discover the benefits of being in the water!

Sen Swim Instructor Monica

Monica

Hi, I’m Monica, and I’ve been a swimming teacher at SEN Swim since 2022. Originally from Pamplona, Spain, I moved to London 12 years ago. I have over 10 years of experience in special needs education, primarily working with children and adults with autism. Alongside my role as a swimming teacher, I am currently studying for a clinical psychology degree, having previously completed a master’s degree in autism and studied educational psychology in Spain. With my background and passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs, I’ve found great fulfillment in combining this with my love for swimming. I enjoy the 1:1 nature of the lessons, building strong relationships with students and their families. My calm and patient approach helps students feel safe, allowing us to focus on their individual learning and development in the pool. I’m excited to continue supporting new students on their swimming journey and look forward to many more lessons ahead!

Sen Swim Instructor Adana

Adana

Hi! I'm Adana, one of the swimming teachers at SEN Swim. I've always loved sports, from doing cartwheels with my grandma to competing in my first 400m at the national level. Swimming has brought me pure joy since childhood, and my passion for it grew into a desire to teach. After studying community sports coaching at university, I began teaching swimming full-time to primary and secondary SEN students. I've been doing this for a year and a half, and joining SEN Swim has been one of the best decisions I've made. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing a child's joy when they overcome a fear or achieve a new skill! I'm an STA-qualified swimming teacher with Level 3 First Aid and Level 2 Pool Emergency Responder certifications. I look forward to seeing you at the pool!

Sen Swim Instructor Jennifer

Jennifer

Hi! I'm Jennifer! I'm just writing my bio...

Our Curriculum

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Qualifications, Experience and Accreditation

All SEN Swim teachers are either STA or Swim England qualified swimming teachers. All teachers have a background in SEN settings, ranging from teachers, support staff in schools and educational settings, as well as many with SEN specific swimming teaching experience. 

All teachers have enhanced DBS checks, attend regular and up to date safeguarding training, as well as hold pool rescue or lifeguard training. 

SEN Swim is accredited with the STA Star Mark Swim school and the RLSS Swim School safety Award.

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